PoolServer
A compact, waterproof 24 V controller that drives tube motors and pool-deck motors with precise PWM control, operated by remote control or from any phone, tablet or PC.
Professional-grade automation in a small, cost-effective unit. Maximum motor current, start and end positions and software updates are all configurable, and updates install over the air.
A simpler, cheaper AquaDeck installation
In this AquaDeck installation the PoolServer replaces the control box and key switch, and moves all position processing next to the motor. The result is fewer components and far less cabling.
| Part of the system | Standard AquaDeck setup | With PoolServer |
|---|---|---|
| Control unit | AquaDeck ECB near the pool ≈ €1,850 | Off-the-shelf 24 V Mean Well power supply and the compact PoolServer, mounted close to the motor |
| Operation | Surface-mounted Roldeck key switch ≈ €240 | Wireless 433 MHz remote control (up to five remotes) and a web interface on phone, tablet or PC |
| Cabling to the pool | Six shielded signal wires between the ECB and the pool | Two wires carrying 24 V |
| Position signals | Sensor signals travel over the full cable run | Processed locally next to the motor, so long cables cannot degrade them |
| After a power cut | Deck position may need recalibration | Position retained by a built-in short-term UPS and non-volatile memory |
Processing the position signals close to the motor was one of the main design goals of the PoolServer architecture.
Inside the PoolServer
Real-time visualization and control
The interface animates the deck in real time from the position sensor data and live motor-current measurements, so the user always sees where the deck is and what it is doing.
Next to the wireless remote, the deck can be opened, stopped and closed with on-screen buttons. It works over the customer's WiFi network or through the PoolServer's own access point.
Service and installation teams get detailed system information, diagnostics and advanced settings to fine-tune each installation:
Fits inside the motor unit
The video shows the pool deck opening in real time. Here the PoolServer drives a separate deck motor; it can drive a tube motor just as well.
The unit is small enough to fit inside the AquaDeck Roldeck Aquamat 120 Nm motor unit, with no mechanical modification. In this installation we also replaced the original position sensor with our own sensor PCB, so position detection happens locally.
Keeps its position through a power failure
The PoolServer tracks and stores the deck position continuously. If mains power fails while the deck is moving, even at full speed, this is what happens:
- Built-in backup power keeps the position-tracking electronics running.
- The motor and deck come to a stop while the position is still counted.
- The final position is saved in long-life non-volatile memory.
When power returns, the PoolServer knows the exact deck position. No recalibration needed.
On board: 433 MHz radio, WiFi and Bluetooth (Bluetooth is not used in this application).
Professional PCB design and manufacturing
The image shows an X-ray inspection of the assembled PoolServer board (left) next to the PCB design (right).
X-ray inspection makes component placement and solder joints visible that cannot be checked by eye, as part of our attention to manufacturing quality and reliable electrical connections.
Our own position sensor
Inside the motor unit, a compact PCB detects the motor position with Hall sensors and a rotating disk with magnets, giving precise and reliable position feedback.
We supplied this sensor hardware for the installation as a compact alternative to the original AquaDeck sensor, integrated directly with the PoolServer.
PoolServer 1.0 at a glance
- Power supply
- 24 V DC, two-wire connection
- Motor drive
- PWM, for tube motors and dedicated pool-deck motors
- Motor current
- Designed for up to 40 A (AquaDeck application ≈ 1 A)
- Operation
- 433 MHz remote control, up to 5 remotes; web interface on phone, tablet or PC
- Connectivity
- WiFi via the customer's network or the built-in access point; Bluetooth on board
- Position sensing
- Hall sensors with magnetic disk, processed locally at the motor
- Power failure
- Short-term UPS and non-volatile memory, position retained
- Configurable
- Maximum motor current, start and end positions
- Updates
- Over the air
- Housing
- Rugged, waterproof; fits inside the Roldeck Aquamat 120 Nm motor unit